Future Africa’s Prof Wanda Markotter among 40 alumnae profiled in SAWiSA 20 year commemorative book

Professor Wanda Markotter, Interim Director and Research Chair in One Health at Future Africa,University of Pretoria (UP), is one of 40 alumnae featured in the  South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA): Where Are They Now commemorative book.

The publication, produced by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), marks 20 years of the South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA). It profiles 40 alumnae whose contributions to science and innovation continue to influence South Africa’s knowledge landscape and inspire globally.

Prof Markotter’s journey began with a SAWiSA Doctoral Fellowship, which launched a career of more than 20 years at UP. From her pioneering research on rabies-related lyssaviruses in bats to building an internationally recognised programme on emerging pathogens, her work has shaped understanding of zoonotic diseases and pandemic preparedness in Africa and globally.

As Interim Director and research Chair at Future Africa, Prof Markotter continues to champion transdisciplinary collaboration, mentoring the next generation of scientists and extending Future Africa’s vision of transformative research that works across sciences and with society. She also directs the Centre for Viral Zoonoses in UP’s Faculty of Health Sciences, holds the DSI–NRF Research Chair in Infectious Diseases of Animals (Zoonoses), and serves as Co-Chair of the United Nations One Health High-level Expert Panel, advising the World Health Organisation (WHO,) World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) , Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Her recognition in the SAWiSA commemorative book highlights both her outstanding achievements and the vital role of women in science in shaping secure, resilient, and thriving societies.

The commemorative book can be accessed by clicking here